DO SOMETHING - Free Jazz Leadsheet
do something was composed by Sam H. Stept with lyrics by Lew Brown in 1929. Its cheerful, rhythmically engaging melody has kept it popular in both vocal renditions and instrumental arrangements over the decades.
The first recording was by the Ruth Etting Orchestra in New York City in 1929, capturing its playful phrasing and catchy rhythmic motifs. Structurally, the song employs a standard 32-bar form with a lively tempo, ideal for swing-style interpretation and improvisation.
Subsequent notable performances include versions by Benny Goodman and other swing bands, highlighting its enduring appeal. Lyrically, the song encourages initiative and action, conveying a lighthearted, upbeat sentiment that remains accessible to listeners today.